Oak City Move

In todays episode of Oak City Move, Sophs sits down with the founder and CEO of the MAKRS Society, Max Rivera. We discuss how MAKRS Society dedicates itself to supporting local makers, artists and small businesses. We discuss the the inspirations behind its creation, the challenges and rewards of building a platform for locals, and how important local markets are in creating community. Learn how t...

In the wake of Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring this year, Autumn welcomes data journalist Hail Zulueta to discuss how 2026's increase in health insurance premium costs caused a decrease in insurance enrollment across North Carolina. Tune in to learn more! ★ Support this podcast ★

In today's episode of Oak City Move, Autumn sits down with Jennifer Gibson, the Executive Director of the Foundation of Hope , to discuss Mental Health Awareness Month and the Hope in Action campaign that will bring $1.5 million to UNC-Chapel Hill's Psychiatry department for mental health research. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week on Oak City Move, we sit down with Raleigh native and Sara Abernethy, founder of Why Hill Kitchen & Brewing, host of the podcast Her Seat at the Table, and entrepreneur. Sara shares her journey from launching one of relief most beloved gathering spaces to becoming a leader in the local business community. We discuss entrepreneurship, building meaningful connections, creating spaces w...

In this episode, we sit down with Rafael A. Osuba, a Puerto Rican cuotural producer, visual aritst, story teller, author, editor, mentor, and founder of the El Quixote Festival. We discuss the upcoming International Children’s Day celebration, featuring authors, presenters, and books that highlight bilingual and minority voices for children and adults alike. Rafael shares why representation in lit...

In this episode, I interview Jenn McEwen, the director of Wake on Stage. We discuss how the program brings together talented students and community groups from across Wake County to showcase their creativity and passion for the arts. Jenn shares the story behind how Wake on Stage began, what inspired her to create a platform for young performers, and how the event has grown into a celebration of a...

In today’s episode, Sophs sits down with Emily Foster, the Co-Director of the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival taking place in Durham April 16th–19th. We talk about the great new films and filmmakers that will be showcased, what makes this year’s lineup especially exciting, and how the festival continues to be a vital platform for documentary storytelling. Emily also shares insights into the c...

In this episode of Oak City Move, Sophs sits down with Dave Klemp, executive director of the environmental non-profit, Trees for the Triangle. Trees for the Triangle is a "pay what you can" non-profit that helps restore trees in the Triangle area, planting new trees as well as replanting old trees. During this episode Dave and Sophs discuss the importance of Urban Forestry (especially amongst clim...

 Breyton Hill interviews Adriana Brassart, Head of Public Diplomacy and Press at the Delegation of the European Union [ European Union ] to the United States. Adriana explains what her job is and how she first got into the realm of politics. With Adriana’s previous experience working as an International Policy Officer for the Middle East and now the Head of Public Diplomacy and Press for the Unite...

Breyton Hill interviews Dr. Laura Bottomley, an engineering professor at NC State, about her career journey, motivation, and common misconceptions about engineering.  Dr. Bottomley talks about her original dream to be an astronaut right up until the moment she got in the classroom. “I loved it. Teaching was the ultimate puzzle… to figure out how to explain things to people so that they would under...

In this episode Sophs sits down with Destinee Wormack and CJ Jones, students of NC State who will be showcasing their research project at the Symposium on Afrofuturism and Diasporic Scholarship on feb. 19th! They discuss their project and how it focuses on pregnant women of color in prison systems, how these topics are often overshadowed and how they are helping bring it to the forefront. We also...

In this episode Sophs speaks to Laura Martin, the chief outreach officer, for Step Up Ministries, an organization that helps individuals and families find housing, work, and overall stability! Step Up offers programs and classes to help prepare people for interviews and other professional meetings that can help provide for them and their family, and provide other help and stability even afterwards...

In this episode Sophia sits down with representatives Kaya Littleturtle and Madison Phillips, as we discuss the North Carolina Museum of History's 25th annual celebration of African American History. We discuss what they are most excited about this years exhibit, the excellent performers attending, as well as how important it is for us to remember our history and our roots in order to break the cy...

In this episode of Oak City Move Sophs sits down with Avery Hobgood, a volunteer at Read and Feed, a non-profit that helps kids learn literature while also getting food to help them and their families. Listen as Avery explains the many different parts and surprises of Read and Feed, raising awareness about food insecurity and how it can connect to children learning, as well as what listeners can d...

In this episode of Oak City Move, Sophs talks to Meg Carpenter, a director of the Note in the Pocket foundation. Note in the Pocket strives to provide families and children in need with clothes that make them feel like their best selves. They strive to protect the dignity and identity of these families by making sure every article of clothing is in great conditions and even try and match certain c...

In this episode Sophs talks with Alicia Carlucci, founded and head of Friends of the Wake Counter Animal Center, a nonprofit that helps fund the Wake County Animal Center and find animals forever homes. They go over the different programs that the FWCAC provides to the center and how it helps to educate the community and fundraise so senior and ill animals have a chance at finding their forever ho...

Check out the newest episode of Oak City Move where Sophs chats with one of the student leaders of CYC at NC State. Listen to here how Consult Your Community helps small businesses around Raleigh as well as prepare students for careers! There is also a BONUS CLIPPP of EV interviewing the Assistant Commissioner for Western North Carolina Kaleb Rathbone as he tells us about the importance of agricul...

 In this episode of Oak City Move , I sit down with Shari Díaz and Matt White, the co-producers of the Oak City Comedy Festival, North Carolina’s only multi-day stand-up festival. We dive into the behind-the-scenes challenges of creating and sustaining a comedy festival, from booking talent to building community. Shari and Matt share stories about the growing bonds between acts over the years, and...

In this episode of Oak City Move, Sophs sits down with Kai Riedl, the director of the Slingshot Festival of Electronic Music and Art, to discuss the festival’s origins, its growth into an international phenomenon, and the ever-evolving relationship between music and electronic art. From its humble beginnings, Slingshot has expanded its reach, attracting artists from all over the world and becoming...

 In this episode of Oak City Move , we sit down with the director of the Sick Chick Flicks Film Festival to explore how the festival is carving out space for women in film,particularly within the worlds of horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. We dive into the importance of representation, the challenges of working in these genres, and how Sick Chick Flicks is building a platform where women’s voices and v...

In this episode of Oak City Move, Sophs meets with the founder and director of Triangle Vegfest, Helene Greenberg, as they talk veganism, sustainability, and supporting small businesses. Helene explains the mission of Vegfest and also gives us some insight on what the festival itself is like and how they strive on education and plants seeds in the minds of all visitors to practice more environment...

This week on Oak City Move , we’re talking with Kori Hennessey, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Raleigh. We’ll dive into how the Center is standing strong in today’s political climate, the programs and resources it offers for the LGBTQ+ community, and how it creates a space where everyone belongs. Plus we’ll share how you can get involved and help keep this vital hub thriving right here i...

 In this episode, I sit down with Donovan from the renowned Paperhand Puppet Project to explore the power of puppetry as a force for change. We dive into the heart of their visually stunning performances and the deeper message behind the artistry, a call to care for our planet, uplift our communities, and reconnect with what truly matters. Donovan shares how the project uses creativity and collabo...

In this episode of Oak City Move , I sit down with Maggie Kane, the passionate founder of A Place at the Table — Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café. Maggie shares the inspiring journey of how she created a space where everyone, regardless of income, can enjoy a warm meal in a welcoming environment. We dive into the power of radical hospitality, the importance of dignity and accessibility in add...